Site Selection and Preparation
14 Installation Guidelines For Australian 50 Hz Air-Cooled Generators
Fire Codes, Standards, and Guidelines
Generator set installation must comply strictly with ICC
IFGC, NFPA 37, NFPA 54, NFPA 58, and NFPA 70 stan-
dards. These standards prescribe minimum safe clear-
ances around and above the generator set enclosure.
NFPA 37
NFPA 37 is the The National Fire Protection Associa-
tion’s standard for the installation and use of stationary
combustion engines. Its requirements limit the spacing of
an enclosed generator set from a structure or wall, and
require generator set to be located where it is readily
accessible for maintenance, repair, and first responders.
Figure 3-3. Southwest Research Institute Marking
NOTE: The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is a
nationally recognized third party testing and listing
agency. SwRI testing approves
457 mm (18 in) installa-
tion minimum from the rear panel of the generator set to
an adjacent structure for fire protection.
The criteria was to determine the worst case fire scenario
within the generator set and to determine the ignitability
of items outside the engine enclosure at various dis-
tances. The enclosure is constructed of non-combustible
materials, and the results and conclusions from the inde-
pendent testing lab indicated that any fire within the gen-
erator set enclosure would not pose any ignition risk to
nearby combustibles or structures, with or without fire
service personnel response.
Based on this testing and the requirements of NFPA 37,
Sec 4.1.4, the guidelines for installation of the generators
listed above are changed to 457 mm (18 in) from the
back side of the generator set to a stationary wall or
building For adequate maintenance and airflow clear-
ance, the area above the generator set should be at least
1.52 m (5 ft) with a minimum of 0.91 m (3 ft) at the front
and ends of the enclosure. This includes trees, shrubs,
and bushes. Vegetation not in compliance with these
clearance parameters could obstruct air flow. In addition,
exhaust fumes from the generator set could inhibit plant
growth. See Figure 3-2 and the accompanying descrip-
tions.
Generator Set Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for minimizing exhaust
emissions and reducing the risk of fire or equipment fail-
ure. For example:
• A dirty air filter or low engine oil level may cause
the engine to overheat.
• Incorrect spark plug gaps may cause engine back-
firing and incomplete combustion.
IMPORTANT NOTE: See Maintenance section of the
generator set owner’s manual to view a table of
scheduled maintenance tasks and procedures. Per-
form all maintenance tasks as directed.
Fresh Air for Ventilation and Cooling
Install unit where air inlet and outlet openings will not
become obstructed by leaves, grass, snow, etc. If prevail-
ing winds will cause blowing or drifting, consider using a
windbreak at a safe distance to protect the unit.
Water Ingress Avoidance
• Select a location on high ground where water lev-
els will not rise and flood the generator set. This
unit should not operate in, or be subjected to,
standing water.
• Install unit where rain gutter downspouts, roof run-
off, landscape irrigation, water sprinklers, or sump
pump discharge does not flood unit or spray enclo-
sure, including any air inlet or outlet openings.
• Excess moisture can cause excess corrosion and
decrease the life expectancy of the unit.
Proximity to Utilities
• Contact local utility providers and verify proposed
site selection meets all required utility placement
requirements before installation. This could affect
warranty coverage.
• Remember, laws and or codes may regulate the
distance and location of the unit to specific utilities.
• It is recommended to pick a location where the
generator set is as close as possible to the transfer
switch and the fuel supply, while verifying the site
location conforms to the rest of the Site Selection
section.
Verify Wi-Fi Range
See Wi-Fi manual shipped with the unit if planning to use
the Wi-Fi feature.